A Corpus Christi Catholic Church Wedding

It is such a sentimental experience to photograph a wedding at your own church for a young woman you have watched grow up in that same church. I have known Zelda since she was a little girl. When her dad walked her down the aisle for Saturday’s Nuptial Mass, it was a surreal experience. How was this the little girl I met only a few years ago while teaching Children’s Liturgy?! The time from her being a little girl to now seems to have flown by in the blink of an eye. I can only imagine how her parents must have felt!

The night before the wedding, I photographed Zelda and Graham’s rehearsal dinner. Hearing the toasts shared by their family members and dearest friends brought tears to my eyes. Individually, Zelda and Graham are two amazing people, but when God put them together, he created something special.

Not many people get to marry their first love. When Zelda and Graham met seven years ago via community theater, they quickly went from being friends, to having a crush on each other, to loving each other in a whirlwind. Graham’s mom, Stacey, said she recalled one of their friends, who was part of the same show, commenting on the two young teenagers’ relationship.

Stacey said she fully admits that she laughed off the comment, saying it was just young love. However, it wasn’t long after that day that she started to realize this was no typical teenage dating relationship. These two were clearly destined for one another and witnessing them become husband and wife felt like a huge blessing.

A Community Celebration

I rarely get to photograph a full wedding day (getting ready, ceremony and reception) at my own church, but it’s a treat when I have the opportunity to do so! There is something so nice about feeling like you’re “home” for the whole wedding day. I love seeing our church’s banquet hall transformed for a wedding reception. It’s amazing what table linens, chair covers and flowers can do to change the look of a space!

Since Zelda and Graham both have a background in theater, I knew that their reception would be full of dancing and they did not disappoint! From their first dance as husband and wife, to their parent dances and a fantastic finale dance before their grand exit, this reception was pure fun to photograph. I loved that Zelda and Graham were game for slipping out of the reception for a few portraits during Golden Hour before heading upstairs to change ahead of their big sendoff.

Their grand exit was the perfect ending to a perfect day! Bubbles and butterfly confetti filled the tunnel formed by guests as Zelda and Graham made their way to Graham’s car. They were heading straight for their honeymoon trip from the church. Just after they drove away, the 5:30pm Saturday Mass let out and several people asked me who had gotten married. As word spread that Zelda was the bride, I could see the joy on peoples faces. Everyone was excited for Zelda and her sweet family! This is exactly what is special about the Corpus Christi Parish community and a perfect example of why I’m proud to be part of it. Cheers to the newly Mr. and Mrs. Driskell!

One of my favorite candid captures of the day was Zelda being helped to the First Look location by her maid of honor, Megan, and Megan’s sister, Kelly, who helped assist me on this wedding!

The newly Mr. & Mrs. are Hawaii bound!

This is going down as one of my favorite exits of all time! It captures all the JOY of this day!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Photographer’s Assistants | Lauren Hodges + Kelly DeVoe

Wedding Planner | Wed With Style

Getting Ready + Ceremony + Reception | Corpus Christi Catholic Parish

Flowers | Belle Bouquet

Catering | Naman’s Catering

Cake | Sugarhouse Fairhope

Hair Stylist | Olivia Lopez

DJ | Southern Aire DJs

Bride’s Gown | Bliss Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses | Azazie

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse – Calvin Klein

Ceremony Musicians | Laura Moore (Piano) – Enen Yu (Violin) – Guo-Sheng Huang (Cello)

Ceremony Vocalists | Allanda Small Campbell, Kathryn Drake Hedlund, Thomas Rowell